COLORADO INDUSTRIES – WHERE TO INVEST TODAY by Marie Cappello, Broker Argossy International
Colorado: Navigating the Industrial Landscape
For industrial sector buyers, Colorado presents a diverse set of opportunities. The market is defined by key hubs along the Front Range, each with a unique profile. While the overall market is stabilizing, strategic choices are crucial. Here’s where to look and what to consider.
- Denver: The Epicenter of Industrial Activity
- Why Invest Here: Denver is the state’s economic powerhouse. It has a diversified economy spanning technology, healthcare, and logistics. It’s a major hub for distribution and manufacturing. The city has a strong, diverse workforce.
- What’s Happening Now: The Denver industrial market is stable. Vacancy rates are still elevated, but they are beginning to decline. This means tenants have more options, but the market is becoming more balanced. New construction has slowed. This will help absorb the existing supply.
- Key Submarkets: Focus on areas with strong logistics and access to major highways. Look for properties that can serve both local and regional distribution needs.
- Colorado Springs: A Hub for High-Tech and Defense Industries
- Why Invest Here: Colorado Springs is a center for aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity. This creates a specific, high-demand market for specialized industrial and manufacturing facilities. The city is also more affordable than Denver.
- What’s Happening Now: The industrial market here is robust. Leasing activity is strong. Vacancy rates are low and sales volume is up. This shows a healthy and growing market. The city is attracting high-tech firms. This drives demand for modern, high-quality industrial spaces.
- Fort Collins: The Northern Frontier
- Why Invest Here: Fort Collins is home to a strong tech and bioscience cluster. It is supported by Colorado State University. This creates a highly educated workforce and a need for R&D and manufacturing space.
- What’s Happening Now: The market is slowing down. Sales volume has declined, and new construction has stalled. Vacancy rates have also risen. This might be a chance for a buyer to find a deal. The market is expected to stabilize later in the year as the construction pipeline dries up.
- The Bottom Line:
- For a Stable, Diverse Investment: Denver is your best bet. It’s a large, resilient market with constant demand.
- For a Specialized, Growing Niche: Colorado Springs is an exciting choice. Its focus on aerospace and defense industries creates a unique and robust market.
- For a High-Risk, High-Reward Play: Fort Collins offers a chance to get in when the market is softer. But be prepared for a slower recovery.
For more information on available industrial and manufacturing properties in these dynamic markets, explore our Colorado properties listings.
For a deeper dive into the Denver market, check out the Q2 2025 Denver Industrial Market Report. For information on Colorado Springs’s industrial sector, see the H1 2025 CBRE report. You can also find detailed analysis on the Fort Collins and Northern Colorado markets from Matthews Real Estate Investment Services.
